Flaky puff pastry filled with a smooth, rich vanilla custard, perfect for a delightful dessert or treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet (about 10 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- For the Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh fruit (berries, sliced fruit) for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into desired shapes (squares, rectangles, or rounds). You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife.
- Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let the baked puff pastry cool down completely.
- Make the Custard:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg yolks.
- Gradually add the milk and egg yolk mixture to the sugar mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and simmer.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the custard is thick and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and combined.
- Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard, to prevent a skin from forming, and allow the custard to cool completely.
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Once the puff pastry and custard have cooled, carefully slice the baked puff pastry pieces horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
- Fill the bottom layer of each pastry with a generous amount of the vanilla custard.
- Place the top layer of the pastry back on top of the custard.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Dust the pastries with powdered sugar, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh fruit, if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.